BetterPhoto Member |
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Digital Pictures Vs. Scanned Images
What are the similarities and differences between scanning and digital photography?
April 02, 2005
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Bob Cammarata |
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The similarity between the two is that a digital image is the result.
The difference between the two is that a digital camera creates a digital image ... made up in megapixels that can be down-loaded directly from the camera to any computer. This digital-to-digital transfer is more accurate that scanning, with little or no loss in image quality.
The main drawback (if your goal is great-looking photos on your computer screen or to e-mail to your friends) is a hefty initial investment in a high-quality digital SLR and software package, and taking the time to learn the technology of both intimately.
In scanning, an analog (film) image is converted to digital. During the transfer, any deficiencies in the original print, slide, or negative will be duplicated or amplified. (Kind of like burning a music CD from a cassette tape.)
Scanning at the highest DPI available is recommended to attempt to capture as much image quality of the original as possible ... though some loss is inevitable during the transfer to digital.
The benefits of scanning are that great film cameras can be be found for a fraction of the cost of digital SLRs of the same quality, and that film image archiving is less tedious,...(technologically speaking).
The drawbacks are in the cost of film and processing ... and a good scanner ... and also, learning to live with "less than perfect" images on your computer.
With a great scanner and accompanying software, it's possible to get real close to the image quality of a perfectly focused and exposed slide or negative, but as mentioned earlier, some loss is inevitable.
April 02, 2005
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